In the previous congressional session he voted with Republicans 86 percent of the time, with 630 votes cast. So far in this congressional session, the senator has voted 247 times, only 78 percent of the time with his party.

"Senator Bond has always done what's best for Missourians, and what's best for the country," said Jordan Clothier, deputy press secretary for Bond. "If that means voting with his party, he votes with his party. If that means voting against his party, he does that."

Bond announced in January 2009 that he wouldn't be running for reelection. Clothier said this fact doesn't have any bearing on his recent voting pattern.

Bond is one of nine Republican senators that voted for Sotomayor's confirmation.